U.S. patent number 8,732,609 [Application Number 12/906,787] was granted by the patent office on 2014-05-20 for method and system for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Intuit Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Mitchell D. Bayersdorfer, George A. Hansen. Invention is credited to Mitchell D. Bayersdorfer, George A. Hansen.
United States Patent |
8,732,609 |
Bayersdorfer , et
al. |
May 20, 2014 |
Method and system for providing a visual scrollbar position
indicator
Abstract
A system and method for providing a visual scrollbar position
indicator whereby data included in a defined data field, or other
data, associated with each entry in a list of entries is selected
for display and as the list of entries is being scrolled through,
the data included in the defined data field, or other data,
associated with each entry in the list of entries selected for
display is displayed to the user as each entry is passed, i.e.,
scrolled through, and as the scrolling is in progress, i.e., while
the scrolling function is still activated.
Inventors: |
Bayersdorfer; Mitchell D.
(Menlo Park, CA), Hansen; George A. (Danville, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bayersdorfer; Mitchell D.
Hansen; George A. |
Menlo Park
Danville |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Intuit Inc. (Mountain View,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
50692402 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/906,787 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/786 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/04855 (20130101); G06F 3/0482 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/048 (20130101) |
Field of
Search: |
;715/786 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Rowley et al., "Method and System for Providing an Intelligent
Visual Scrollbar Position Indicator," U.S. Appl. No. 13/006,767,
filed Jan. 14, 2011. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Bashore; William
Assistant Examiner: Chowdhury; Rayeez
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley
LLP McKay; Philip
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position comprising: using one or more processors
associated with one or more computing systems to implement at least
part of a computing system implemented data management system;
using the computing system implemented data management system to
organize data into a list of data entries such that each data entry
in the list of data entries includes at least two data fields
containing data, the at least two data fields respectively
including one or more data fields including color coding data based
on the data in one or more of the at least two data fields, and
audio tones data based on the data in one or more of the at least
two data fields; using one or more processors associated with one
or more computing systems to display the list of data entries in a
user interface display displayed on a display device associated
with a computing system; using one or more processors associated
with one or more computing systems to generate and provide a
scrolling capability whereby a user can scroll through the list of
data entries displayed in the user interface display; using one or
more processors associated with one or more computing systems to
generate and display a scrolling symbol for activation of the
scrolling capability, the scrolling symbol being displayed in the
user interface display; selecting, through a combination of
analysis by the process and also interactions by a party through a
user interface, from the display of the list of data entries, one
or more of the at least two data fields of each data entry in the
list of data entries as a display data field, the selected display
data fields at least including a data field having at least one of
color coding data and audio tones data, wherein the analysis by the
process selects a display data field at least partly based on the
type of data in the at least two display fields; using a user
interface device to activate the scrolling capability via the
scrolling symbol; and while the scrolling capability is activated,
using one or more processors associated with one or more computing
systems to display, in the user interface display, the data in the
selected data field of each data entry in the list of data entries
as each data entry in the list of data entries is scrolled through
and the scroll is positioned on the data entry.
2. The computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position of claim 1, wherein; the computing system
implemented data management system is a computing system
implemented financial management system.
3. The computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position of claim 1, wherein; the computing system
implemented data management system organizes data into a list of
data entries such that each data entry in the list of data entries
includes a primary sort data field containing primary sort data and
the primary sort data field is selected as a display data
field.
4. The computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position of claim 1, wherein; the computing system
implemented data management system organizes data into a list of
data entries such that each data entry in the list of data entries
includes a primary sort data field containing primary sort data and
a secondary sort data field containing secondary sort data and the
primary sort data field and secondary sort data field are selected
as display data fields.
5. The computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position of claim 1, wherein; while the scrolling
capability is activated, the data in the selected data field of
each data entry in the list of data entries is displayed in a
display window associated with the scrolling symbol as each data
entry in the list of data entries is scrolled through and the
scroll is positioned on the data entry.
6. The computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position of claim 1, wherein; while the scrolling
capability is activated, the data in the selected data field of
each data entry in the list of data entries is displayed as a
display symbol replacing the scrolling symbol as each data entry in
the list of data entries is scrolled through and the scroll is
positioned on the data entry.
7. A method for providing a visual scrollbar position comprising:
using a computing system implemented data management system to
organize data into a list of data entries such that each data entry
in the list of data entries includes at least two data fields
containing data, the at least two data fields respectively
including one or more data fields including color coding data based
on the data in one or more of the at least two data fields, and
audio tones data based on the data in one or more of the at least
two data fields; displaying the list of data entries in a user
interface display displayed on a display device associated with a
computing system; providing a scrolling capability whereby a user
can scroll through the list of data entries displayed in the user
interface display; displaying a scrolling symbol for activation of
the scrolling capability, the scrolling symbol being displayed in
the user interface display; selecting, through a combination of
analysis by the process and also interactions by a party through a
user interface, from the display of the list of data entries, one
or more of the at least two data fields of each data entry in the
list of data entries as a display data field, the selected display
data fields at least including a data field having at least one of
color coding data and audio tones data, wherein the analysis by the
process selects a display data field at least partly based on the
type of data in the at least two display fields; activating the
scrolling capability via the scrolling symbol; and while the
scrolling capability is activated, displaying, in the user
interface display, the data in the selected data field of each data
entry in the list of data entries as each data entry in the list of
data entries is scrolled through and the scroll is positioned on
the data entry.
8. The method for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim 7,
wherein; the computing system implemented data management system is
a computing system implemented financial management system.
9. The method for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim 7,
wherein; the computing system implemented data management system
organizes data into a list of data entries such that each data
entry in the list of data entries includes a primary sort data
field containing primary sort data and the primary sort data field
is selected as a display data field.
10. The method for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
7, wherein; the computing system implemented data management system
organizes data into a list of data entries such that each data
entry in the list of data entries includes a primary sort data
field containing primary sort data and a secondary sort data field
containing secondary sort data and the primary sort data field and
secondary sort data field are selected as display data fields.
11. The method for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
7, wherein; while the scrolling capability is activated, the data
in the selected data field of each data entry in the list of data
entries is displayed in a display window associated with the
scrolling symbol as each data entry in the list of data entries is
scrolled through and the scroll is positioned on the data
entry.
12. The method for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
7, wherein; while the scrolling capability is activated, the data
in the selected data field of each data entry in the list of data
entries is displayed as a display symbol replacing the scrolling
symbol as each data entry in the list of data entries is scrolled
through and the scroll is positioned on the data entry.
13. A system for providing a visual scrollbar position comprising:
a computing system implemented data management system; data
organized by the computing system implemented data management
system into a list of data entries such that each data entry in the
list of data entries includes at least two data fields containing
data, the at least two data fields respectively including one or
more data fields including color coding data based on the data in
one or more of the at least two data fields, and audio tones data
based on the data in one or more of the at least two data fields; a
display device associated with a computing system; a user interface
display displayed on the display device, the interface display
including a display of the list of data entries; a scrolling
capability whereby a user can scroll through the list of data
entries displayed in the user interface display; a scrolling symbol
for activation of the scrolling capability, the scrolling symbol
being displayed in the user interface display; a user interface
device for activating the scrolling capability via the scrolling
symbol; and one or more processors associated with one of more
computing systems, the one or more processors executing
instructions for implementing a process for providing a visual
scrollbar position, the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position comprising: selecting, through a combination of analysis
by the process and also interactions by a party through a user
interface, from the display of the list of data entries, one or
more of the at least one data fields of each data entry in the list
of data entries as a display data field, the selected display data
fields at least including a data field having at least one of color
coding data and audio tones data, wherein the analysis by the
process selects a display data field at least partly based on the
type of data in the at least two display fields; using the user
interface device to activate the scrolling capability via the
scrolling symbol; and while the scrolling capability is activated,
displaying, in the user interface display, the data in the selected
data field of each data entry in the list of data entries as each
data entry in the list of data entries is scrolled through and the
scroll is positioned on the data entry.
14. The system for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
13, wherein; the computing system implemented data management
system is a computing system implemented financial management
system.
15. The system for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
13, wherein; the computing system implemented data management
system organizes data into a list of data entries such that each
data entry in the list of data entries includes a primary sort data
field containing primary sort data and the primary sort data field
is selected as a display data field.
16. The system for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
13, wherein; the computing system implemented data management
system organizes data into a list of data entries such that each
data entry in the list of data entries includes a primary sort data
field containing primary sort data and a secondary sort data field
containing secondary sort data and the primary sort data field and
secondary sort data field are selected as display data fields.
17. The system for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
13, wherein; while the scrolling capability is activated, the data
in the selected data field of each data entry in the list of data
entries is displayed in a display window associated with the
scrolling symbol as each data entry in the list of data entries is
scrolled through and the scroll is positioned on the data
entry.
18. The system for providing a visual scrollbar position of claim
13, wherein; while the scrolling capability is activated, the data
in the selected data field of each data entry in the list of data
entries is displayed as a display symbol replacing the scrolling
symbol as each data entry in the list of data entries is scrolled
through and the scroll is positioned on the data entry.
19. The computing system implemented process for providing a visual
scrollbar position of claim 1 further comprising: wherein the at
least two data fields containing data include a primary sort field
and a secondary sort field and those primary and secondary sort
fields are selected by a party as display fields; and a display
window within the user interface, the display window being adjacent
to the scrolling symbol and separate from the display of the list
of data entries, the display window having displayed therein at
least a portion of data taken from individual ones of the primary
and secondary sort fields, wherein data displayed in the display
window changes as data entries in the list of data entries is
scrolled through.
Description
BACKGROUND
One common way computing system implemented data management systems
organize, and/or process/present, electronic data is to organize
the data as a list of entries that include one or more data fields
associated with each entry. For instance, a computing system
implemented data management system, such as a computing system
implemented payroll system, may organize employee pay records as
lists of entries with each entry including multiple data entry
fields such as name, pay rate, address, date, etc.
Using currently available computing system implemented data
management systems, when a user desires to interact with a given
entry, the user is presented the list of entries on a user
interface display of a display device. Typically, this user
interface display includes a scrollbar, or other similar mechanism,
through which the user can scroll/move through the list of entries
to find a desired entry.
Using currently available systems, the user activates the
scrollbar, or other similar mechanism, using a user interface
device by dragging, or otherwise activating a scroll bar "thumb."
Using currently available systems, the scrollbar, or other similar
mechanism, shows the user a visual representation of relative
position of the scroll with respect to the entire list of entries
via a scroll position symbol. For instance, a currently available
scrollbar, or other similar mechanism, may use a scroll position
symbol to show the user that the position of the scroll is some
fraction, say 1/2, of the way down the list of entries. However,
using currently available systems, in order to find out exactly
where in the list of entries the scroll currently is, the user must
stop the scroll, i.e., deactivate the scroll bar "thumb", and then
look to see what record the scroll is on.
As an example, using a currently available scrollbar, or other
similar mechanism, a user wishing to find a payroll record entry
for "Savannah McKay" sorted alphabetically by last name may
currently activate the scroll bar "thumb" until the scrollbar
position symbol indicates the position of the scroll is about 1/2
of the way down the list of employee name entries. The user would
then release or deactivate the scroll bar "thumb" and look to see
what record the scroll is actually on. In this specific example,
given that "M" is about 1/2 of the way through the alphabet, 1/2
way through the list would be a good guess. However, it is highly
unlikely that the user will deactivate/stop/pause the scroll
precisely on the record for Savannah McKay and, in many cases; the
user may not even be close. For instance, in the specific case
introduced above, the user's assumption that "M" equates to 1/2 of
the way down the list of entries is only valid if there are roughly
the same number of people having last names beginning with each
letter of the alphabet. Consequently, using currently available
systems, it is far more likely the user will have to stop the
scroll, note where in the list of names the scroll is positioned,
and then begin the scroll again to get closer to the "M" listings,
and then repeat the process until the entry for Savannah McKay is
finally reached.
Clearly, the situation described above associated with current
scrolling systems is relatively inefficient and far from ideal in
that, while the user is scrolling a list of entries, the user does
not actually know what record the scroll is positioned on as the
scrolling is taking place, i.e., the user is not shown the record
at the scroll's current position before the user deactivates the
scroll and stops the process.
SUMMARY
In accordance with one embodiment, a system and method for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator includes a process
for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator whereby data
included in a defined data field, or other data, associated with
each entry in a list of entries is selected for display. In various
embodiments, the data field is selected: automatically by the
process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator based
on analysis by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator; and/or semi-automatically by the process for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator based on analysis
by the process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
and user input; and/or based on user input alone. In one
embodiment, as the list of entries is being scrolled through, the
data included in the defined data field, or other data, associated
with each entry in the list of entries selected for display is
displayed to the user as each entry is passed, i.e., scrolled
through, and as the scrolling is in progress, i.e., while the
scrolling function is still activated.
Using the system and method for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator discussed herein, while the user is scrolling a
list of entries, the user is provided a visual indication of what
record the scroll is currently positioned on; as the scrolling is
taking place, i.e., the user is shown the record at the scroll's
current position before the user deactivates the scroll and stops
the scanning process.
Consequently, using the system and method for providing a visual
scrollbar position indicator discussed herein, it is far less
likely the user will have to stop the scroll, note where in the
list of entries the scroll is positioned, and then begin the scroll
again to get closer to desired entry. Therefore, the system and
method for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
discussed herein is more efficient and effective than existing
systems.
In addition, as discussed in more detail below, using the below
embodiments, with little or no modification and/or user input,
there is considerable flexibility, adaptability, and opportunity
for customization to meet the specific needs of various users under
numerous circumstances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary hardware architecture for
implementing one embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting a process for providing a visual
scrollbar position in accordance with one embodiment; and
FIG. 3 is one specific example a user interface display generated
in accordance with one embodiment and including one example of one
embodiment of a visual scrollbar position indicator/symbol.
Common reference numerals are used throughout the FIG.s and the
detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the
art will readily recognize that the above FIG.s are examples and
that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation
and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without
departing from the characteristics and features of the invention,
as set forth in the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the
accompanying FIG.s, which depict one or more exemplary embodiments.
Embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not
be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, shown
in the FIG.s, and/or described below. Rather, these exemplary
embodiments are provided to allow a complete disclosure that
conveys the principles of the invention, as set forth in the
claims, to those of skill in the art.
In accordance with one embodiment, data included in a defined data
field is selected for display. For instance, in one embodiment, a
first data field is selected for display from two or more data
fields that make up each data entry in a list of data entries.
In one embodiment, the first data field is selected automatically
by the process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
based on analysis by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator such as what type of data is being viewed,
historical actions taken by the user and/or one or more other
selection parameters.
In one embodiment, the first data field is selected
semi-automatically by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator based on analysis by the process for providing a
visual scrollbar position indicator and user input.
In one embodiment, the first data field is selected based on user
input alone.
As one specific example, in one embodiment, the selected first data
field is the same data field selected as a primary sort field for
determining a listing order of the data entries. As a specific
example, a given set of data entries may be sorted alphabetically
by last name and the last name field may be selected as the primary
sort field for the data entries. In one embodiment, the data in the
last name field is also selected as the display data.
In various embodiments, a second data field is selected for display
from two or more data fields that make up each data entry in the
list of data entries.
In one embodiment, the second data field is selected automatically
by the process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
based on analysis by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator such as what type of data is being viewed,
historical actions taken by the user and/or one or more other
selection parameters.
In one embodiment, the second data field is selected
semi-automatically by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator based on analysis by the process for providing a
visual scrollbar position indicator and user input.
In one embodiment, the second data field is selected based on user
input alone.
As one specific example, in one embodiment, the selected second
data field is the same data field selected as a secondary sort
field for determining a listing order of the data entries. As a
specific example, a given set of data entries may be sorted
alphabetically by last name and then by first name for identical
last name entries. In this instance, the last name field may be
selected as the primary sort field for the data entries and the
first name field may be selected as the secondary sort field for
the data entries. In one embodiment, the data in the last name and
the first name fields is then also selected as the display
data.
In other embodiments, any one or more data fields are selected for
display from two or more data fields that make up each data entry
in the list of data entries. In various embodiments, the selection
of data fields for display is made automatically by the process for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator based on analysis
by the process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
such as what type of data is being viewed, historical actions taken
by the user and/or one or more other selection parameters.
In various embodiments, the selection of data fields for display is
made semi-automatically by the process for providing a visual
scrollbar position indicator based on analysis by the process for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator and user input.
In various embodiments, the selection of data fields for display is
made based on user input alone.
In various embodiments other data is associated with each entry in
a list of entries and is selected for display. The other data can
include, but is not limited to, any one of: color coding data based
on data in one or more defined data fields; symbols based on data
in one or more defined data fields; audio tones based on data in
one or more defined data fields; or any other visual, or audio,
representation scheme based on data in one or more defined data
fields.
In various embodiments, the selection of other data for display is
made automatically by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator based on analysis by the process for providing a
visual scrollbar position indicator such as what type of data is
being viewed, historical actions taken by the user and/or one or
more other selection parameters.
In various embodiments, the selection of other data for display is
made semi-automatically by the process for providing a visual
scrollbar position indicator based on analysis by the process for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator and user input.
In various embodiments, the selection of other data for display is
made based on user input alone.
In one embodiment, the data entries are displayed to a user via a
user interface screen displayed on a display device of a computing
system associated with, and/or accessible by, the user. In one
embodiment, the data entries are displayed to the user as the list
of entries and the user is provided with a scrolling display, icon,
symbol, or similar function, that is capable of being activated by
the user, in one embodiment via a user interface device such as,
but not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad, a voice
recognition system, or any other device and/or process for
converting user actions into computer readable
instructions/commands.
In one embodiment, once the user activates the scrolling symbol,
the list of data entries is scrolled through and, as the list of
data entries is being scrolled through, the data included in the
selected display data fields, or other data, associated with each
entry in the list of entries is displayed to the user as each entry
is passed, i.e., as each entry is scrolled through, and as the
scrolling is in progress while the scrolling function is still
activated.
In one embodiment, the data included in the selected display data
fields, or other data, associated with each entry in the list of
entries is displayed as text in a text window or other display
associated with the scrolling symbol and displayed on the same
display screen as the listing of data entries and the scrolling
symbol.
In one embodiment, the data included in the selected display data
fields, or other data, associated with each entry in the list of
entries is displayed as a replacement symbol for the scrolling
symbol.
In one embodiment, the data included in the selected display data
fields, or other data, associated with each entry in the list of
entries is displayed in a separate section, or window, of the
display screen that includes the listing of data entries and the
scrolling symbol.
Hardware System Architecture
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary hardware architecture for
implementing one embodiment of a system and method for providing a
visual scrollbar position, such as exemplary process 200 discussed
herein, that includes: a computing system 100; a server system 120;
and a database 170, all operatively coupled by a network 130.
As seen in FIG. 1, computing system 100 typically includes a
central processing unit (CPU) 101, an input/output (I/O) interface
105, and a memory system 103, including cache memory 103A. In one
embodiment, memory system 103 includes all, or part of, a process
for providing a visual scrollbar position, such as exemplary
process 200 discussed below. As also seen in FIG. 1, computing
system 100 includes computing system implemented data management
system 183. In one embodiment, computing system implemented data
management system 183 represents any one or more computing system
implemented data management systems such as, but is not limited to:
computing system implemented accounting and/or invoicing systems,
packages, programs, modules, or applications; personal financial
management systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications;
business financial management systems, packages, programs, modules,
or applications; computing system implemented banking systems,
packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing system
implemented general business systems, packages, programs, modules,
or applications; computing system implemented marketing device
distribution systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications;
computing system implemented tax preparation systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications; computing system implemented
point of sale systems, packages, programs, modules, or
applications; computing system implemented healthcare management
systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications; and various
other electronic data driven data management systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications, whether known at the time of
filling or as developed later.
As used herein, the term "computing system implemented financial
management system" includes, but is not limited to: computing
system implemented personal and small business financial management
systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing
system implemented business systems, packages, programs, modules,
or applications; computing system implemented tax preparation
systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing
system implemented accounting and/or invoicing systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications; and various other electronic
transaction driven data management systems, packages, programs,
modules, or applications, whether known at the time of filling or
as developed later.
Computing system 100 may further include standard user interface
devices such as a keyboard 107, a mouse 111, a printer 109, and a
display device 115, as well as, one or more standard input/output
(I/O) devices 113, such as a compact disk (CD) or Digital Video
Disc (DVD) drive, floppy disk drive, or other digital or waveform
port, or other device capable of inputting data to, and outputting
data from, computing system 100, whether available or known at the
time of filing or as later developed.
As discussed in more detail below, in one embodiment, process for
providing a visual scrollbar position 200 and/or computing system
implemented data management system 183 are entered, in whole, or in
part, into computing system 100 via I/O device 113, such as from a
CD, DVD, floppy disk, portable hard drive, memory stick, download
site, or other medium and/or computer program product as defined
herein.
In one embodiment, computing system 100 is a computing system used
and/or accessible by another computing system, Internet appliance,
any other device, or any desired combination of devices, that
includes components that can execute all, or part, of process for
providing a visual scrollbar position 200, in accordance with at
least one of the embodiments as described herein.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is exemplary database 170. In one embodiment,
database 170 is any data storage device, a designated server system
or computing system, or a designated portion of one or more server
systems or computing systems, such as computing system 100, and/or
server system 120, or a distributed database, or an external and/or
portable hard drive. In one embodiment, database 170 is a dedicated
mass storage device implemented in software, hardware, or a
combination of hardware and software. In one embodiment, database
170 is a web-based function.
In one embodiment, database 170 is under the control of a process
for providing a visual scrollbar position, such as exemplary
process 200, and/or a computing system implemented process, such as
computing system implemented data management system 183.
In one embodiment, computing system 100 and database 170 are
coupled to a server system 120 through network 130. In one
embodiment, server system 120 typically includes a server system
display device 125, a server system processor 121, a server system
memory 123, and a server system network interface 122.
In one embodiment, server system 120 is used, at least in part, as
an exchange server, and/or as an e-mail server. In one embodiment,
server system 120 is used in a station-to-station arrangement, such
as a peer-to-peer, or hybrid peer-to peer, arrangement, as an
indexing and/or central server used to connect a first computing
system, such as computing system 100, and a second computing
system.
In one embodiment, server system 120 includes all, or part of, a
process for providing a visual scrollbar position, such as
exemplary process 200 discussed below.
In one embodiment, server system 120 is used, controlled, and/or
accessible by, a provider of a system and process for providing a
visual scrollbar position, and/or a system and process for
providing a visual scrollbar position, such as process for
providing a visual scrollbar position 200.
Network 130 can be any network or network system that is of
interest to a user such as, a peer-to-peer network, a hybrid
peer-to-peer network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area
Network (WAN), a public network, such as the Internet, a private
network, a combination of different network types, or any other
wireless, wired, and/or a wireless and wired combination networks
capable of allowing communication between two or more computing
systems, whether available or known at the time of filing or as
later developed.
In one embodiment, all, or part, of computing system 100, database
170, server system 120 and/or network 130, and any associated
functions and applications, are part of a cloud computing
environment.
Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that the
components shown in FIG. 1, such as computing system 100, database
170, server system 120, and their respective components, are shown
for illustrative purposes only and that architectures with more or
fewer components can implement, and benefit from, the invention.
Moreover, one or more components of computing system 100, database
170, and server system 120 may be located remotely from their
respective system and accessed via network, as discussed herein. In
addition, the particular type of, and configuration of, computing
system 100, database 170, and server system 120 are not
relevant.
As discussed in more detail below, in one embodiment, a process for
providing a visual scrollbar position, such as process for
providing a visual scrollbar position 200, and/or a computing
system implemented data management system, such as computing system
implemented data management system 183, are stored, in whole, or in
part, in memory system 103 and/or cache memory 103A, of computing
system 100, and/or in server memory system 123 of server system 120
and/or in database 170, and executed on computing system 100. As
used herein, a memory refers to a volatile memory, a non-volatile
memory, or any combination of the two.
In one embodiment, a process for providing a visual scrollbar
position, such as process for providing a visual scrollbar position
200, and/or a computing system implemented data management system,
such as computing system implemented data management system 183,
are computer applications or processes and/or data implemented
and/or run and/or stored, in full, or in part, in, or on, a
computer program product. Herein, a computer program product
comprises a medium and/or I/O device configured to store or
transport computer readable code, whether available or known at the
time of filing or as later developed. Some examples of computer
program products are CDs, DVDs, ROM cards, floppy discs, magnetic
tapes, computer hard drives, portable hard drives, flash memory,
volatile and non-volatile memory sticks, servers on a network, such
as server system 120 of FIG. 1, and data transmitted over a
network, such as network 130 of FIG. 1, or other media or process
capable of delivering computer readable data representing computer
readable code, whether available or known at the time of filing or
as later developed. This medium may belong to a computing system,
such as computing system 100 of FIG. 1, described above. However,
in some embodiments, the medium also may be removable and/or remote
from the computing system.
For example, all, or part, of a process for providing a visual
scrollbar position, such as process for providing a visual
scrollbar position 200, and/or a computing system implemented data
management system, such as computing system implemented data
management system 183, may be stored in a memory that is physically
located in a location, such as server system memory 123, or
database 170, of FIG. 1, different from a computing system, such as
computing system 100, utilizing a process for providing a visual
scrollbar position, such as process for providing a visual
scrollbar position 200, and/or a computing system implemented data
management system, such as computing system implemented data
management system 183. In one embodiment, all, or part, of a
process for providing a visual scrollbar position, such as process
for providing a visual scrollbar position 200, and/or a computing
system implemented data management system, such as computing system
implemented data management system 183, may be stored in a memory
that is physically located, separate from the computing system's
processor(s), such as CPU 101 of FIG. 1, and the computing system
CPUs can be coupled to the memory in a client-server system, such
as server system 120 of FIG. 1, or, alternatively, via connection
to another computer, such as computing system 100, via modems and
analog lines, digital interfaces and a digital carrier line, or
wireless or cellular connections.
In one embodiment, the computing systems and/or server systems,
such as computing system 100 and/or server system 120 of FIG. 1,
running and/or utilizing and/or storing all, or part, of a process
for providing a visual scrollbar position, such as process for
providing a visual scrollbar position 200, and/or a computing
system implemented data management system, such as computing system
implemented data management system 183, is a portable computer, a
workstation, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone, a smart phone,
a digital wireless telephone, a PDA, a server computer, an Internet
appliance, or any other device that includes components that can
execute all, or part, of a process for providing a visual scrollbar
position, such as process for providing a visual scrollbar position
200, and/or a computing system implemented data management system,
such as computing system implemented data management system 183, in
accordance with at least one of the embodiments as described
herein. Similarly, in another embodiment, a process for providing a
visual scrollbar position, such as process for providing a visual
scrollbar position 200, and/or a computing system implemented data
management system, such as computing system implemented data
management system 183, may be implemented on, and/or run on/by,
and/or stored on, a computing system and/or server system that is
comprised of multiple different computers, wireless devices,
cellular telephones, digital telephones, two-way pagers, personal
digital assistants, server computers, or any desired combination of
these devices, that are coupled to perform the processes and/or
operations as described herein.
Process
Herein, the terms "user", "consumer", "individual", are used
interchangeably to denote any party interfacing and/or interacting
with a process for providing a visual scrollbar position, and/or an
authorized agent of any party interfacing and/or interacting with a
process for providing a visual scrollbar position, and/or any other
authorized party associated with any party interfacing and/or
interacting with a process for providing a visual scrollbar
position.
As used herein, the term "computing system", includes, but is not
limited to: a desktop computer; a portable computer; a workstation;
a two-way pager; a cellular telephone; a smart phone; a digital
wireless telephone; a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA); a media
player, i.e., an MP3 player and/or other music and/or video player;
a server computer; an Internet appliance; or any other device that
includes components that can execute all, or part, of any one of
the processes and/or operations as described herein. In addition,
as used herein, the term computing system, can denote, but is not
limited to, computing systems made up of multiple: computers;
wireless devices; cellular telephones; digital telephones; two-way
pagers; PDAs; media players; server computers; or any desired
combination of these devices, that are coupled to perform the
processes and/or operations as described herein.
As used herein, the term "computing system implemented data
management system" includes, but is not limited to: computing
system implemented accounting and/or invoicing systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications; personal financial management
systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications; business
financial management systems, packages, programs, modules, or
applications; computing system implemented banking systems,
packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing system
implemented small business financial management systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications; computing system implemented
general business systems, packages, programs, modules, or
applications; computing system implemented financial institution
financial management systems, packages, programs, modules, or
applications; computing system implemented tax preparation systems,
packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing system
implemented business and/or point of sale systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications; computing system implemented
healthcare management systems, packages, programs, modules, or
applications and various other electronic data driven data
management systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications,
whether known at the time of filling or as developed later.
As used herein, the term "computing system implemented financial
management system" includes, but is not limited to: computing
system implemented personal and small business financial management
systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing
system implemented business systems, packages, programs, modules,
or applications; computing system implemented tax preparation
systems, packages, programs, modules, or applications; computing
system implemented accounting and/or invoicing systems, packages,
programs, modules, or applications; and various other electronic
transaction driven data management systems, packages, programs,
modules, or applications, whether known at the time of filling or
as developed later.
As used herein, the term "network" includes, but is not limited to,
any network or network system such as, but not limited to, any one
or more of the following, a peer-to-peer network, a hybrid
peer-to-peer network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area
Network (WAN), a public network, such as the Internet, a private
network, a cellular network, a combination of different network
types, or other wireless, wired, and/or a wireless and wired
combination network capable of allowing communication between two
or more computing systems, whether available or known at the time
of filing or as later developed.
As used herein, the term "database" includes, but is not limited
to, any data storage mechanism known at the time of filing or as
developed thereafter, such as, but not limited to, any one or more
of the following: a data storage device; a designated server system
or computing system, or a designated portion of one or more server
systems or computing systems; a mobile computing system; a server
system network; a distributed database; or an external and/or
portable hard drive. Herein, the term "database" can refer to a
dedicated mass storage device implemented in software, hardware, or
a combination of hardware and software. Herein, the term "database"
can refer to a web-based function. Herein, the term "database" can
refer to any data storage means that is part of, or under the
control of, any computing system, as discussed herein, known at the
time of filing, or as developed thereafter.
In accordance with one embodiment, a system and method for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator includes a process
for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator whereby data
included in a defined data field, or other data, associated with
each entry in a list of entries is selected for display. In various
embodiments, the data field is selected: automatically by the
process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator based
on analysis by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator; and/or semi-automatically by the process for
providing a visual scrollbar position indicator based on analysis
by the process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
and user input; and/or based on user input alone. In one
embodiment, as the list of entries is being scrolled through, the
data included in the defined data field, or other data, associated
with each entry in the list of entries selected for display is
displayed to the user as each entry is passed, i.e., scrolled
through, and as the scrolling is in progress, i.e., while the
scrolling function is still activated.
FIG. 2 a flow chart depicting a process for providing a visual
scrollbar position 200 in accordance with one embodiment. Process
for providing a visual scrollbar position 200 begins at ENTER
OPERATION 201 of FIG. 2 and process flow proceeds to ORGANIZE DATA
INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203.
In one embodiment, at ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES
WITH EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION
203 data is organized into data entries with each data entry
including at least one data entry field and the data entries are
arranged in a listing of the data entries.
In one embodiment, at ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES
WITH EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION
203 data is organized into data entries with each data entry
including at least one data entry field and the data entries are
arranged in a listing of the data entries by one or more
processors, such as CPU 101, and/or processor 121, of FIG. 1,
associated with one or more computing systems, such as computing
system 100 and/or server system 120, of FIG. 1.
Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, at ORGANIZE DATA INTO A
LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE
DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 data is organized into data entries with
each data entry including at least one data entry field and the
data entries are arranged in a listing of the data entries by a
computing system implemented data management system, such as
computing system implemented data management system 183 of FIG. 1,
or any computing system implemented data management system as
discussed herein, and/or as known in the art at the time of filing,
and/or as developed after the time of filing.
Arrangements of data into data entries with each data entry
including at least one data entry field are well known in the art.
In addition, in various data arrangements large lists of data
entries are assigned a "sort order" or "sort field" which indicates
which column, or data field, is used to sort the data entries. In
many cases there is a primary and secondary sort field whereby the
primary sort is the first field sorted and the secondary sort is
used when the primary fields of multiple data entries are
identical.
For example, as a specific example, a given set of data entries may
be sorted alphabetically by last name and the last name field may
be selected as the primary sort field for the data entries. In
addition, a given set of data entries may be sorted alphabetically
by last name and then by first name for identical last name
entries. In this instance, the last name field may be selected as
the primary sort field for the data entries and the first name
field may be selected as the secondary sort field for the data
entries.
Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, once data is organized into
data entries with each data entry including at least one data entry
field and the data entries are arranged in a listing of the data
entries at ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA
ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203, process flow
proceeds to DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES IN A USER INTERFACE
DISPLAY OPERATION 205.
In one embodiment, at DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES IN A USER
INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 205 the listing of the data entries of
ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY
INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 is displayed in a
user interface display displayed on a display device of a computing
system accessible by a user.
In one embodiment, at DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES IN A USER
INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 205 the listing of the data entries of
ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY
INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 is displayed in a
user interface display displayed on a display device, such as
display device 115 of FIG. 1, of a computing system, such as
computing system 100 of FIG. 1.
Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, at DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA
ENTRIES IN A USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 205 the listing of
the data entries of ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH
EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 is
displayed in a user interface display displayed on a display device
of a computing system accessible by a user under the direction of
one or more processors, such as CPU 101, and/or processor 121, of
FIG. 1, associated with one or more computing systems, such as
computing system 100 and/or server system 120, of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows one specific example of a user interface display 300
displayed on a display device 115 generated in accordance with one
embodiment and including one example of one embodiment of a listing
of data entries 301. As shown in FIG. 3, listing of data entries
301 includes multiple data entries 301A to 301J with each data
entry including four data entry fields 305 (last name), 307 (first
name), 309 (check number), and 311 (date).
As also seen in FIG. 3, data entries 301A to 301J are sorted by
last name, i.e., according to data in a designated primary sort
field, data entry field 305 (last name), alphabetically and, for
instances of identical primary sort field data, such as data
entries 301D, 301E, and 301F, according to data in a designated
secondary sort field, data entry field 307 (first name). That is to
say, data entries 301A to 301J are sorted alphabetically using data
field 305 (last name) as a primary sort field and data field 307
(first name) as a secondary sort field.
Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, once the listing of the
data entries of ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH
DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 is
displayed in a user interface display displayed on a display device
of a computing system accessible by a user at DISPLAY THE LIST OF
DATA ENTRIES IN A USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 205, process
flow proceeds to PROVIDE A SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING
THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 207.
In one embodiment, at PROVIDE A SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING
THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 207 a scrolling
capability is provided whereby a user can scroll through the
listing of the data entries of ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA
ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS
OPERATION 203 displayed at DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES IN A
USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 205.
Methods, means, mechanisms, processes, and procedures for providing
scrolling capabilities are well known in the art. Consequently, a
more detailed discussion of specific methods, means, mechanisms,
processes, and procedures for providing scrolling capabilities is
omitted here in order to avoid detracting from the description.
In one embodiment, once a scrolling capability is provided whereby
a user can scroll through the listing of the data entries of
ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY
INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 displayed at
DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES IN A USER INTERFACE DISPLAY
OPERATION 205 at PROVIDE A SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING
THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 207, process flow
proceeds to DISPLAY A SCROLLING SYMBOL FOR ACTIVATING THE SCROLLING
CAPABILITY IN THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 209.
In one embodiment, at DISPLAY A SCROLLING SYMBOL FOR ACTIVATING THE
SCROLLING CAPABILITY IN THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 209 a
scrolling display, icon, symbol, or similar function, which is
capable of being activated by the user is provided.
In one embodiment, at DISPLAY A SCROLLING SYMBOL FOR ACTIVATING THE
SCROLLING CAPABILITY IN THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 209
the scrolling display, icon, symbol, or similar function, is
capable of being activated by the user via a user interface device
such as, but not limited to, a mouse, such as mouse 111 of FIG. 1,
a keyboard, such as keyboard 107 of FIG. 1, a touchpad, a voice
recognition system, or any other device and/or process for
converting user actions into computer readable
instructions/commands.
Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, once the user activates the
scrolling symbol, the list of data entries of DISPLAY THE LIST OF
DATA ENTRIES IN A USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 205 is scrolled
through until the scrolling symbol is deactivated.
FIG. 3 shows a scrolling symbol 313 that is being activated by a
cursor 315 that, in turn, is manipulated by a mouse (not shown) by
a user. In this specific example, scrolling symbol 313 is a
scrolling "thumb" that, when activated, scrolls through data
entries 301A to 301J until released, i.e., deactivated, by the user
by releasing a mouse button.
Also shown in FIG. 3 is traditional cursor position symbol 317 that
gives a rough visual indication of the position of the scroll, but,
in the prior art gave no indication of the specific data entry
being scrolled through at any given time, or any data associated
with the specific data entry being scrolled through at any given
time.
In one embodiment, once a scrolling display, icon, symbol, or
similar function, that is capable of being activated by the user is
provided at DISPLAY A SCROLLING SYMBOL FOR ACTIVATING THE SCROLLING
CAPABILITY IN THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 209, process
flow proceeds to SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE DATA
FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD OPERATION
211.
In one embodiment, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE
DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211 data included in a defined data field, or other data,
associated with each data entry in the list of entries of ORGANIZE
DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY INCLUDING ONE
OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 is selected for display.
In one embodiment, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE
DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211 data included in a defined data field is selected for
display. For instance, in one embodiment, a first data field is
selected for display from two or more data fields that make up each
data entry in a list of data entries.
In one embodiment, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE
DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the first data field is selected automatically by
process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator 200
based on analysis by process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200 such as, but not limited to, what type of
data is being viewed, historical actions taken by the user and/or
one or more other selection parameters.
In one embodiment, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE
DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the first data field is selected semi-automatically
by process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator 200
based on analysis by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator and user input.
In one embodiment, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE
DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the first data field is selected based on user input
alone.
As one specific example, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the selected first data field is the same data field
selected as a primary sort field for determining a listing order of
the data entries. As a specific example, a given set of data
entries may be sorted alphabetically by last name and the last name
field may be selected as the primary sort field for the data
entries. In one embodiment, the data in the last name field is also
selected as the display data.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, a second data field is selected for display from two
or more data fields that make up each data entry in the list of
data entries.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the second data field is selected automatically by
process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator 200
based on analysis by process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200 such as, but not limited to, what type of
data is being viewed, historical actions taken by the user and/or
one or more other selection parameters.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the second data field is selected semi-automatically
by the process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
based on analysis by the process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator and user input.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the second data field is selected based on user
input.
As one specific example, in one embodiment, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE
FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA
ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD OPERATION 211, the selected second data
field is the same data field selected as a secondary sort field for
determining a listing order of the data entries. As a specific
example, a given set of data entries may be sorted alphabetically
by last name and then by first name for identical last name
entries. In this instance, the last name field may be selected as
the primary sort field for the data entries and the first name
field may be selected as the secondary sort field for the data
entries. In one embodiment, the data in the last name and the first
name fields is then also selected as the display data.
In other embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, any one or more data fields, and/or combination of
data fields, are selected for display from two or more data fields
that make up each data entry in the list of data entries.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the selection of any one or more data fields, and/or
combination of data fields, for display is made automatically by
process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator 200
based on analysis by process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200 such as what type of data is being viewed,
historical actions taken by the user and/or one or more other
selection parameters.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the selection of any one or more data fields, and/or
combination of data fields, for display is made semi-automatically
by process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator 200
based on analysis by process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200 and user input.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the selection of any one or more data fields, and/or
combination of data fields, for display is made based on user input
alone.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, the selection of data fields for display is made
semi-automatically by process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200 and is implemented with user
review/approval.
In various embodiments, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211, other data is associated with each entry in the list
of entries and is selected for display. The other data can include,
but is not limited to, any one of: color coding data based on data
in one or more defined data fields; symbols based on data in one or
more defined data fields; audio tones based on data in one or more
defined data fields; or virtually any other visual, or audio,
representation scheme based on data in one or more defined data
fields.
Returning to FIG. 3, as noted above, in this specific example, data
entries 301A to 301J are sorted by last name, i.e., according to
data in a designated primary sort field, data entry field 305 (last
name), alphabetically and, for instances of identical primary sort
field data, such as data entries 301D, 301E, and 301F, according to
data in a designated secondary sort field, data entry field 307
(first name). That is to say, data entries 301A to 301J are sorted
alphabetically using data field 305 (last name) as a primary sort
field and data field 307 (first name) as a secondary sort
field.
In addition, in this specific example, at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD
OF THE ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A
DISPLAY FIELD OPERATION 211 (FIG. 2) data field 305 (last name),
the primary sort field, and data field 307 (first name), the
secondary sort field, are selected for display, i.e., are
designated display fields whose data will be displayed as discussed
below.
In one embodiment, once data included in a defined data field, or
other data, associated with each data entry in the list of entries
of ORGANIZE DATA INTO A LIST OF DATA ENTRIES WITH EACH DATA ENTRY
INCLUDING ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS OPERATION 203 is selected for
display at SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS
ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD OPERATION 211,
process flow proceeds to ACTIVATE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR
SCROLLING THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 213.
In one embodiment, at ACTIVATE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR
SCROLLING THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 213 the user
activates the scrolling capability of DISPLAY A SCROLLING SYMBOL
FOR ACTIVATING THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IN THE USER INTERFACE
DISPLAY OPERATION 209.
As noted above, in one embodiment, at ACTIVATE THE SCROLLING
CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION
213 the user activates the scrolling capability of DISPLAY A
SCROLLING SYMBOL FOR ACTIVATING THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IN THE
USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 209 by activating a scrolling
display, icon, symbol, or similar function, via a user interface
device such as, but not limited to, a mouse, such as mouse 111 of
FIG. 1, a keyboard, such as keyboard 107 of FIG. 1, a touchpad, a
voice recognition system, or any other device and/or process for
converting user actions into computer readable
instructions/commands.
Returning to FIG. 2, as also noted above, in one embodiment, once
the user activates the scrolling symbol, the list of data entries
of DISPLAY THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES IN A USER INTERFACE DISPLAY
OPERATION 205 is scrolled through until the scrolling symbol is
deactivated.
Returning to FIG. 3, recall FIG. 3 shows a scrolling symbol 313
that is being activated by a cursor 315 that, in turn, is
manipulated by a mouse (not shown) by a user. In this specific
example, scrolling symbol 313 is a scrolling "thumb" that, when
activated, scrolls through data entries 301A to 301J until
released, i.e., deactivated, by the user by releasing a mouse
button.
As also discussed above, shown in FIG. 3 is traditional cursor
position symbol 317 that gives a rough visual indication of the
position of the scroll, but, in the prior art, gave no indication
of the specific data entry being scrolled through at any given
time, or any data associated with the specific data entry being
scrolled through at any given time.
Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, once the user activates the
scrolling capability of DISPLAY A SCROLLING SYMBOL FOR ACTIVATING
THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IN THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION
209 at ACTIVATE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING THROUGH THE
LIST OF DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 213, process flow proceeds to WHILE
THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED, AS EACH DATA ENTRY IS
SCROLLED THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE SELECTED DISPLAY FIELD,
AND/OR DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE DISPLAY FIELD,
ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY
OPERATION 215.
In one embodiment, at WHILE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED,
AS EACH DATA ENTRY IS SCROLLED THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE
SELECTED DISPLAY FIELD, AND/OR DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE
DISPLAY FIELD, ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER
INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 215 as the list of data entries is
being scrolled through, the data included in the defined display
data field, or other data, associated with each entry in the list
of entries selected for display of SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE
ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A
DISPLAY FIELD OPERATION 211 is displayed to the user as each entry
is scrolled through, and as the scrolling is in progress, i.e.,
while the scrolling function is still activated at ACTIVATE THE
SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING THROUGH THE LIST OF DATA ENTRIES
OPERATION 213.
In one embodiment, once the user activates the scrolling symbol at
ACTIVATE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY FOR SCROLLING THROUGH THE LIST OF
DATA ENTRIES OPERATION 213, the list of data entries is scrolled
through and as the list of data entries is being scrolled through,
at WHILE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED, AS EACH DATA ENTRY
IS SCROLLED THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE SELECTED DISPLAY
FIELD, AND/OR DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE DISPLAY FIELD,
ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY
OPERATION 215, the data included in the selected display data
fields, or other data, associated with each entry in the list of
entries of SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR MORE DATA FIELDS
ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD OPERATION 211 is
displayed to the user as each entry is passed, i.e., as each entry
is scrolled through, and as the scrolling is in progress, while the
scrolling function is still activated.
In one embodiment, at WHILE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED,
AS EACH DATA ENTRY IS SCROLLED THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE
SELECTED DISPLAY FIELD, AND/OR DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE
DISPLAY FIELD, ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER
INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 215, the data included in the selected
display data fields, or other data, associated with each entry in
the list of entries is displayed as text in a text window or other
display associated with the scrolling symbol and displayed on the
same display screen as the listing of data entries and the
scrolling symbol.
In one embodiment, at WHILE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED,
AS EACH DATA ENTRY IS SCROLLED THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE
SELECTED DISPLAY FIELD, AND/OR DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE
DISPLAY FIELD, ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER
INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 215, the data included in the selected
display data fields, or other data, associated with each entry in
the list of entries is displayed as a replacement symbol for the
scrolling symbol.
In one embodiment, at WHILE THE SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED,
AS EACH DATA ENTRY IS SCROLLED THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE
SELECTED DISPLAY FIELD, AND/OR DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE
DISPLAY FIELD, ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER
INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 215, the data included in the selected
display data fields, or other data, associated with each entry in
the list of entries is displayed in a separate section or window of
the display screen that includes the listing of data entries and
the scrolling symbol.
Returning to FIG. 3, display window 350 includes a display of the
data in selected display field 305 (last name), i.e., the primary
sort field, and a display of the data in selected display field 307
(first name), i.e., the secondary sort field, associated with data
entry 301F as data entry 301F is scrolled through via the
simultaneous activation of scroll activation symbol 313 by cursor
315 that is manipulated by a mouse button (not shown) depressed by
the user. Then, in this embodiment, as data entry 301F is scrolled
past and data entry 301G is scrolled through via the simultaneous
activation of scroll activation symbol 313 by cursor 315, display
window 350 includes a display of the data in selected display field
305 (last name), i.e., the primary sort field, and a display of the
data in selected display field 307 (first name), i.e., the
secondary sort field, associated with data entry 301G. In this
embodiment, the process continues for each data entry of all the
data entries in data entry listing 301 until the user deactivates
scroll activation symbol 313 with cursor 315, i.e., the user
releases the depressed mouse button.
Returning to FIG. 2, once as the list of data entries is being
scrolled through, the data included in the defined data field, or
other data, associated with each entry in the list of entries
selected for display of SELECT AT LEAST ONE FIELD OF THE ONE OR
MORE DATA FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DATA ENTRY AS A DISPLAY FIELD
OPERATION 211 is displayed to the user as each entry is scrolled
through, and as the scrolling is in progress, at WHILE THE
SCROLLING CAPABILITY IS ACTIVATED, AS EACH DATA ENTRY IS SCROLLED
THROUGH, DISPLAY THE DATA IN THE SELECTED DISPLAY FIELD, AND/OR
DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE DATA IN THE DISPLAY FIELD, ASSOCIATED WITH
EACH DATA ENTRY ON THE USER INTERFACE DISPLAY OPERATION 215, i.e.,
the user deactivates the scrolling capability, process flow
proceeds to EXIT OPERATION 230.
In one embodiment, at EXIT OPERATION 230, process for providing a
visual scrollbar position 200 is exited to await a scroll
activation.
Using process for providing a visual scrollbar position indicator
200, while the user is scrolling a list of entries, the user is
provided a visual indication of what record the scroll is currently
positioned on, as the scrolling is taking place, i.e., the user is
shown the record at the scroll's current position before the user
deactivates the scroll and stops the process.
Consequently, using process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200, it is far less likely the user will have to
stop the scroll, note where in the list of entries the scroll is
positioned, and then begin the scroll again to get closer to
desired entry. Therefore, process for providing a visual scrollbar
position indicator 200 is more efficient and effective than
existing systems.
As discussed in more detail above, using the above embodiments,
with little or no modification and/or consumer input, there is
considerable flexibility, adaptability, and opportunity for
customization to meet the specific needs of various consumers under
numerous circumstances.
In the discussion above, certain aspects of one embodiment include
process steps and/or operations and/or instructions described
herein for illustrative purposes in a particular order and/or
grouping. However, the particular order and/or grouping shown and
discussed herein are illustrative only and not limiting. Those of
skill in the art will recognize that other orders and/or grouping
of the process steps and/or operations and/or instructions are
possible and, in some embodiments, one or more of the process steps
and/or operations and/or instructions discussed above can be
combined and/or deleted. In addition, portions of one or more of
the process steps and/or operations and/or instructions can be
re-grouped as portions of one or more other of the process steps
and/or operations and/or instructions discussed herein.
Consequently, the particular order and/or grouping of the process
steps and/or operations and/or instructions discussed herein do not
limit the scope of the invention as claimed below.
As discussed in more detail above, using the above embodiments,
with little or no modification and/or user input, there is
considerable flexibility, adaptability, and opportunity for
customization to meet the specific needs of various users under
numerous circumstances.
The present invention has been described in particular detail with
respect to specific possible embodiments. Those of skill in the art
will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in other
embodiments. For example, the nomenclature used for components,
capitalization of component designations and terms, the attributes,
data structures, or any other programming or structural aspect is
not significant, mandatory, or limiting, and the mechanisms that
implement the invention or its features can have various different
names, formats, or protocols. Further, the system or functionality
of the invention may be implemented via various combinations of
software and hardware, as described, or entirely in hardware
elements. Also, particular divisions of functionality between the
various components described herein are merely exemplary, and not
mandatory or significant. Consequently, functions performed by a
single component may, in other embodiments, be performed by
multiple components, and functions performed by multiple components
may, in other embodiments, be performed by a single component.
Some portions of the above description present the features of the
present invention in terms of algorithms and symbolic
representations of operations, or algorithm-like representations,
of operations on information/data. These algorithmic or
algorithm-like descriptions and representations are the means used
by those of skill in the art to most effectively and efficiently
convey the substance of their work to others of skill in the art.
These operations, while described functionally or logically, are
understood to be implemented by computer programs or computing
systems. Furthermore, it has also proven convenient at times to
refer to these arrangements of operations as steps or modules or by
functional names, without loss of generality.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, as would be apparent from the
above discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the above
description, discussions utilizing terms such as "organizing",
"displaying", "activating", "selecting", "obtaining",
"intercepting", "accessing", "scanning", "transforming", "linking",
"verifying", "monitoring", "browsing", "updating", "associating",
"analyzing", "defining", "storing", "saving", "displaying",
"implementing", "performing", "creating", "assigning",
"estimating", "entering", "modifying", "categorizing", "providing",
"processing", "accessing", "selecting", "scheduling", "creating",
"using", "comparing", "submitting", "generating", etc., refer to
the action and process of a computing system or similar electronic
device that manipulates and operates on data represented as
physical (electronic) quantities within the computing system
memories, resisters, caches or other information storage,
transmission or display devices.
Certain aspects of the present invention include process steps or
operations and instructions described herein in an algorithmic or
algorithmic-like form. It should be noted that the process steps or
operations and instructions of the present invention can be
embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and when embodied in
software, can be downloaded to reside on and be operated from
different platforms used by real time network operating
systems.
The present invention also relates to an apparatus or system for
performing the operations described herein. This apparatus or
system may be specifically constructed for the required purposes,
or the apparatus or system can comprise a general purpose system
selectively activated or configured/reconfigured by a computer
program stored on a computer program product as discussed herein
that can be accessed by a computing system or other device.
Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that the
algorithms and operations presented herein are not inherently
related to any particular computing system, computer architecture,
computer or industry standard, or any other specific apparatus.
Various general purpose systems may also be used with programs in
accordance with the teaching herein, or it may prove more
convenient/efficient to construct more specialized apparatuses to
perform the required operations described herein. The required
structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent to those
of skill in the art, along with equivalent variations. In addition,
the present invention is not described with reference to any
particular programming language and it is appreciated that a
variety of programming languages may be used to implement the
teachings of the present invention as described herein, and any
references to a specific language or languages are provided for
illustrative purposes only and for enablement of the contemplated
best mode of the invention at the time of filing.
The present invention is well suited to a wide variety of computer
network systems operating over numerous topologies. Within this
field, the configuration and management of large networks comprise
storage devices and computers that are communicatively coupled to
similar or dissimilar computers and storage devices over a private
network, a LAN, a WAN, a private network, or a public network, such
as the Internet.
It should also be noted that the language used in the specification
has been principally selected for readability, clarity and
instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate
or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the
disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative,
but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth
in the claims below.
In addition, the operations shown in the FIG.s, or as discussed
herein, are identified using a particular nomenclature for ease of
description and understanding, but other nomenclature is often used
in the art to identify equivalent operations.
Therefore, numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by
the specification or implied by the specification or not, may be
implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this
disclosure.
* * * * *